Thursday, January 31, 2008

Dota-Allstars 6.50 Map Preview - Invoker is Back? (Beta 19)

Dota-Allstars 6.50 Map is indeed worth to be waited. I think uncle IceFrog is really working hard on this map. There are so many changes. I will give you some teaser and clues based on 6.50 Beta 19. And i will update this post as the new Beta available.

Invoker is Now Available?

Wow, is this real? We can use Kael the Invoker again? It still being constructed though, look at his story section ;) But i think IceFrog will nerf him and give him some balance issue if he really serious to make Invoker re-appear.



New Neutral Creeps

An extreme change on the neutral creeps. Watch the minimap! IceFrog changes the Scourge Neutral Creeps camps and layout. A lot of new Neutral Creeps created. That's mean i must reworked the Neutral Creeps guide.

New Neutral Creeps

Another new Neutral Creeps camp. Mud Golem? Ah, is it easier compared to Rock Golem?


New Neutral Creeps

Another new Neutral Creeps. Enraged Wildkin and 2 other level 1 Wildkin is ready to give you some gold.


New Neutral Creeps

Alpha Wolf has an aura and it will make this wolf group harder than before.


Euls is now infinite!

Infinite amount of Eul's. Watch closely, it's also give you 20 Movement Speed now!


Wow! Mystic Staff for Gynso.

Yeah, another better use of Mystic Staff and Ultimate Orb..

Warning:
This preview is based on Dota 6.50 Beta 19. Anything still could be changed and updated. I will try my best to keep pace with the latest change. You can download the Beta Map in this post. Enjoy..

Update: The official 6.50 map has released!

Dota 6.50 Beta 24 Map Download, New!

dota allstars 6.50 Beta loading screen ImagesDota-Allstars 6.50 Beta 24 map leaked, free download in this blog as always. The latest Beta Map is great! You got to see what i already saw in this map. But if you are too lazy to see it by yourself, don't worry. I will give you some nice preview about the beta map. Just go to this post and watch the screenshot. The download link is at the end of the post. As usual, you must use nick "IceFrog" or the other beta tester nick name to play. Hmm.. Do you know another nickname? Tell me if you know :D Oh yeah, in this post i will also give you the detail change list from 6.50 Beta 1.

  • DotA Allstars v6.50 Betas 14-24 [Invoker Series]

    Beta 24:
    Invoker's tooltips fixed, -invokelist command
    Further work on -ah
    Beta 23:
    Visage Remade
    Some work on -ah done
    Beta 22:
    Scourge Terrain Changed (QFT)
    Beta 21:
    Scourge Terrain Changed (Yes, Again)
    Bug Fixes with Invoker
    Beta 20:
    Scourge Terrain Changed
    Dagger Reworked Again
    Bug Fixes with Invoker
    Beta 19:
    All Invoke spells present.
    Scourge Terrain Changed (Again).
    Beta 18:
    Misc bugs fixed.
    Beta 17:
    Added two Invoke spells.
    Increased Fountain regeneration by 10 Mana per second.
    Beta 16:
    Added an Invoke spell.
    Beta 15:
    Fixed bugs regarding Invoker.
    Beta 14:
    Invoker can now be selected from last scourge tavern
  • DotA Allstars v6.50 Betas 9-13

    Reworked Orchid (immolation effect)
    Reworked Euls (Infinite Cyclone Charges)
    Reworked Guinsoos (3-item recipe, no euls!)

  • DotA Allstars v6.50 Beta 8

    fixed various sell prices
    updated drow\'s story per volcove\'s suggestion
    * Reduced model size on Non-Ancient Golems
    buffed up murlocs a bit
    fixed ravage lvl 2/3 damage
    * Improved creep pathing on top Sentinel lane
    * Improved base int and growth on Visage

  • DotA Allstars v6.50 Beta 7

    Fixed Eidolons armor
    fixed mana shield cooldown
    fixed guin sell price
    fixed level 2 marksmanship
    * Fixed Dark Rift from using cooldown when cast incorrectly
    fixed impale effects to work on ancients
    fixed some visuals with impales
    fixed the stun to start timing after the unit lands from air
    range on na and lion impale is always full range
    added a minimum range for the impale effect on burrow strike so if you target
    yourself, it still impales nearby units
    fixed ravage damage
    * Added Ring of Health to the Goblin Shop
    lowered quarterstaff price
    fixed bottle cooldown (it was still 8 seconds, not 5)
    lowered euls cd a bit and reduced recipe
    tweaked guin/eul/orch a little, see feedback post for complete details
    * Reworked the trees/pathing near the small sentinel creep camp
    did lots of tweaks and changes to neutrals

  • DotA Allstars v6.50 Beta 6

    fixed kickafk giving you options for players that aren\'t afk
    fixed a pathing issue with the trees near the new ramp
    * Reduced cooldown on high level Shapeshift
    kickafk properly shares control on kick now
    increased quilbeast hp by 100
    undid marksmanship change, kept the agi gain nerf
    adjusted leap cd change from last version
    fixed apm command (it was actions per second before i think)
    undid potm base damage change change
    fixed morph courier hotkey
    removed guinsoo recipe
    * Reduced Gravechill manacost and cooldown a little
    * Recoded impale based effects completely, fixing various ramp bugs, stacking issues and lots of rare problems. (Burrowstrike, Impale (Lion), Impale (Nerubian Assassin), Ravage)
    * Removed manacost on Mana Shield
    * Added Javelin to the Goblin Shops
    * Added Quarterstaff to the Goblin Shops
    * Increased Perseverance damage from 7 to 10
    reduced tornado damage on buildings

  • DotA Allstars v6.50 Beta 5

    changed the removal of bottle sell cost to a small one (mainly cause of a problem I was having with it not displaying manacost)
    * Changed Leap cooldown to scale with levels
    * Lowered Mirana\'s base damage a little
    added magic resistance to quilbeast (75%)
    tried to fix the shukuchi issue with dealing damage twice again
    fixed ogres autocasting
    * Changed the pathing around the one of the neutral camp areas on the Scourge Side
    returned damage amplification to orchid and changed from 4.5 to 5 duration
    reduced cooldown and increased range on guinsoo
    * Increased Chainfrost bounce by 1
    * Fixed a bug introduced in the recent scepter changes on Crystal Maiden
    * Improved armor on Enigma\'s Eidolons
    * Removed the stack restriction on Shiva\'s Guard
    * Improved Juggernaut\'s movement speed
    * Implemented a better silencing mechanism in the Black Hole area
    reduced Drow\'s ultimate a little
    * Lowered Drow\'s Agility gain per level
    * Added a new command -apm to reveal your actions per minute
    -afkinfo and -kickafk now work properly fixed -neutrals test spawn command lowered guinsoo recipe cost * Couriers can now disassemble items (161180)
    * Added text descriptions for powerups (68307)

  • DotA Allstars v6.50 Beta 4

    Made linkens 20 seconds (for now..)
    refilling bottle and rune usage doesn\'t share cooldown with regen usage on it (so only regen follows the 8 sec cooldown)
    * Bottle is in full state at all the shops now (still thinking about this..)
    * Fixed Last Word triggering off of Linken Sphere usage
    fixed various typos
    fixed lothars sell cost

  • DotA Allstars v6.50 Beta 3

    Fixed Drow\'s ult
    Changed alpha wolf to a different color
    Reduced chances that the buff icon remains on Broodmother/Sven ults

  • DotA Allstars v6.50 Beta 2

    Made Lothar\'s 21/21 bonuses
    Fixed Lothar\'s cooldown
    Reduced lothar\'s manacost
    Fixed the alpha wolf not spawning properly
    Fixed aggro on new creeps
    * Neutral Ogres no longer auto-cast Frost Armor
    fixed tree types at the new scourge camp

  • DotA Allstars v6.50 Beta 1

    * Fixed Berserker Rage from triggering Essence Aura
    * Fixed Javelin\'s odds being slightly off
    * Increased Morphling\'s base damage
    * Macropyre cooldown no longer increases per level
    * Reduced Expulsion cooldown and manacost
    * Lowered Flying Courier HP to the same as regular Courier
    * Reduced Sprint\'s damage amplification from 20% to 10%
    * Improved Keeper of the Light\'s attack animation
    * Delayed the creep spawn time by 30 seconds in -vr
    * Fixed neutral spawn times in various modes
    * Improved Scattershot from 10-35 damage range to 20-35
    * Improved Alchemist base Intelligence and growth
    * Slightly improved Psi Blades spill width
    * Improved Lich\'s Frost Nova cast range by 100
    * Improved Vanguard hp regen by 1
    * Changed Lothar\'s recipe and stats
    * Increased Maledict AOE by 15
    * Improved Chemical Rage
    * Increased Phantom Lancer\'s STR gain
    * Improved lifesteal on Insatiable Hunger level 2 and 3
    * Reduced Replicate manacost and cooldown
    * Centered swap request notice is given to a player (182779)
    * Fixed an issue with the Cheese drop from Roshan
    * Reduced Vladmir\'s Offering recipe cost
    * Reduced Linken\'s Sphere cooldown
    * Increased Psi Blades range by 10 each level
    * Improved Troll\'s movement speed
    * Decreased Rampage movement speed bonus
    * Decreased Rampage cooldown
    * Removed stacking restriction from Bloodstone and improved it\'s stats
    * Improved Helm of the Dominator damage from 10 to 20
    * Improved Spirit Bear\'s Demolish
    * Improved Oblivion Staff mana regen by 25%
    * Increased Lightning Storm cooldown by 2 seconds
    * Reworked Eul\'s Scepter of Divinity completely
    * Reworked Orchid Malevolence completely
    * Reduced cooldown on level 4 Metamorphosis from 135 to 110
    * Reworked Guinsoo\'s Scythe of Vyse completely (check forums for details)
    * God\'s Strength is longer removed by cyclone
    * Insatiable Hunger is longer removed by cyclone
    * Quarterstaff price reduced
    * Improved Sand Storm
    * Fixed an issue with Forest Troll High Priest\'s pathing scale
    * Drastically lowered Quilbeast hitpoints
    * Improved range on Drow\'s Trueshot Aura
    * Fixed an exploit with Lanaya
    * Improved cooldown progression on Insatiable Hunger
    * Reduced Sven\'s base armor
    * Reduced the slow on Epicenter
    * Changed the locations and distribution of neutral creep camps
    * Fixed some text display problems when viewing replays (thanks DonTomaso)
    * Reduced Lina\'s movement speed by 5
    * Reduced Voidstone by 25 gold
    * Improved Enigma\'s movement speed
    * Modified initial projectile speed and effect on Paralyzing Casks
    * Improved Enfeeble
    * Improved Auto-Fire aoe and duration
    * Reduced Ring of Health by 25 gold
    * Fixed some color issues on the load screen
    * Reduced Queen of Pain\'s Blink range at early levels
    * Fixed some creep death time discrepancies (188461)
    * Improved Earthshaker movement speed
    * Reduced mana cost on dagger and increased cooldown (75->50 mana, 30->60 cooldown)
    * Added cooldown to Bottle usage and removed its sell cost
    * Added -afkinfo that displays how long each player has been idle for
    * Bottle purchased in base starts off full
    * Necronomicon icon now changes per level (190183)
    * Changed durations of some powerups (Haste 45->30, Illusion 60->75, Regen 45->30)
    * Fixed a very minor bug with Elder Form duration
    * Fixed a very minor bug with the damage mechanism on Shukuchi
    * Moon Wells now gather water during night and get drained during day. This has no gameplay impact (60920)
    * Zombies now give a bit less bounty
    * Improved cast range on Expulsion and Fire Storm
    * Change Drow Ranger\'s Marksmanship
    * Added a conditionally available -KickAFK command to boot idle players (171984)
    * Increased Neutral Centaur\'s aura by 5%
    * Added an Alpha Wolf in the wolves creep camp with a command aura
    * Added a new creep camp (1 Ghost w/Possession + 2 Fel Beasts)
    * Changed the Furbolg\'s Stomp to a Clap
    * Added a new creep camp (1 Enraged Wildken w/ Tornado + 2 Wildkins)
    * Added a new creep camp (1 Murloc Nightcrawler w/shadowmeld,1 sec ensnare + 1 Murloc Hunstman + Murloc Tiderunner)
    * Improved Satyr Hellcaller\'s Unholy Aura
    * Added a new creep camp (1 Dark Troll Warlord (Raise Dead), 2 Dark Trolls)
    * Recoded Neutral Creep code for some optimizations
    * Changed the location of one of the Scourge creep camps

Download Dota 6.50 Beta 24 via MediaFire

Enjoy!

Update: The official 6.50 map has released!

Saturday, January 26, 2008

Crixalis the Sand King Guide & Walkthrough

Crixalis the Sand King Guide, Walkthrough, Item Build and Skill Build.

Sand King

Crixalis was a normal scorpion in Kalimdor's deserts. For unknown reasons, he evolved much faster than his brothers, growing extremely large. Because he was still susceptible to the Sand King King's mind control, he was summoned and is now guarding the Frozen Throne. While much larger, Crixalis still possesses his scorpian abilities, such as the power to burrow into the ground and resurface elsewhere, impaling all in his wake. His tail contains a violent venom, which causes his enemies to explode. Scouts have discovered that he can create large tremors in the ground, killing anyone distracted enough to get near him.

Sand King

Base HP: 492
Base Mana: 208

Strength - 18 + 2.3 (Primary)
Agility - 19 + 2.1
Intelligence- 16 + 1.8

Base damage 43-59
Attack range of 128 (melee)
Base Armor 3.7
Movement speed of 300

Strengths and Weaknesses

Positives
Has a great AoE damage, can turn out the game with good placed Epicenter.
Not items
dependant.
Fast farming with Caustic Finale.


Negatives
Epicenter needs great timing and positioning.
Possibly targeted by all enemy hero after you initiate.

Skill Descriptions

Burrowstrike (E)

Shadow Strike

The Sand King burrows into the ground, tunnels forward impaling everything above him, then surfaces.

Level 1 - 100 damage, 400 maximum range.
Level 2 - 160 damage, 500 maximum range.
Level 3 - 220 damage, 600 maximum range.
Level 4 - 280 damage, 700 maximum range.

Mana Cost: 140
Cooldown: 11

A really usefull skills. Stun enemies in a row and in the same time moving yourself. Use it for initiate, chase and escaping.

Sand Storm (R)

Blink Strike

Sand King creates a fearsome Sand Storm. The storm blinds his enemies and he becomes invisible to them. In the same time his opponents take damage.

Level 1- 20 damage per second, 200 AOE, invisibility lasts 20 seconds, 0.3 second delay before revealed
Level 2- 40 damage per second, 250 AOE, invisibility lasts 40 seconds, 0.3 second delay before revealed
Level 3- 60 damage per second, 300 AOE, invisibility lasts 60 seconds, 0.9 second delay before revealed
Level 4- 80 damage per second, 350 AOE, invisibility lasts 80 seconds, 1.2 seconds delay before revealed

Channeling
Mana Cost: 60/ 50/ 40/ 30
Cooldown: 40

The damage isn't good for farming. The only reason you want to take it is for the invisibility. Sometime helpfull in a emergency situation.

Caustic Finale (L)

Blur

Each of the Sand King's attack injects a deadly venom that causes the target to explode violently on death, dealing damage in an area.

Level 1 - 90 damage.
Level 2 - 130 damage.
Level 3 - 170 damage.
Level 4 - 220 damage.

Orb effect
Mana Cost: N/A
Cooldown: N/A

Great passive skill for farming. You can kill a wave of creep in a couple seconds. The only drawback of this skill is it's Orb effect.

Epicenter (C)

Coup de Grace

Sends a disturbance into the earth, causing it to shudder violently. All caught within range will take damage, and their attack speed and movespeed slowed by 40%.

Level 1 - 2.0 second casting time, 6 pulses of 110 damage, each pulse has a 300 AoE.
Level 2 - 2.0 second casting time, 8 pulses of 110 damage, each pulse has a 350 AoE.
Level 3 - 2.0 second casting time, 10 pulses of 110 damage, each pulse has a 400 AoE.

Mana Cost: 175/ 250/ 325
Cooldown: 140/ 120/ 100

Magnificent skills! Massive damage and the same time slows enemies. For maximal results, often combined with Blink Dagger or Burrow Strike. The only problem is, the enemies will try their hardest to cancel this.

Skill Build

Level 1: Burrowstrike
Level 2: Sandstorm/Stats
Level 3: Burrowstrike
Level 4: Stats
Level 5: Burrowstrike
Level 6: Epicenter
Level 7: Burrowstrike
Levels 8-10: Stats
Level 11: Epicenter
Levels 12-15: Caustic Finale
Level 16: Epicenter
Levels 17-21: Stats
Levels 22: Stats/Sandstorm
Levels 23-25: Sandstorm

Burrowstrike is taken and maxed early for obvious reason. It will be your primary combo combined with Epicenter. When Burrowstrike already level 4, you are ready to ganking any hero. One point on Stand Storm can save you from early gank focused on you. Only take one level, you only want the invisibility, not the poor damage.

On early game, Stats is ways better than Caustic Finale. Stats will give you more HP and additional Mana for your combo. Taking Caustic Finale early will make you pushing too fast and make you vulnerable for ganked. The only chance you will want to take Caustic Finale early is when you are facing melee hero on your line. It will help you harass the melee enemy heroes while last hitting. On level 12-15, maxed Caustic Finale and you will farm like crazy.

Item Build

1. Gauntlet of Ogre Strength + Circlet of Nobility + Tangos
2. Empty Bottle
3. Finish Bracer
4. Blink Daggers
5. Boots of Speed
6. Second Bracers
7. Finish Boots of Travel

Your core item should be like this:

Bracers Bracers Power Treads Helm of Dominator Monkey King Bar

The most important thing about Epicenter is the positioning and timing. Blink Dagger is the perfect tools to meet the demand. In order to have an effective role throughout the game, you must be ready for ganking and initiating once you've prepared for your items.

Bracers will cover your lack of additional Stats item, while Bottle will cover your regeneration and make you stay longer in the line. After get the Dagger, to maximize Sand King role as ganker, upgrade your shoes into Boots of Travel. It will help you farming and initiate ganking in the same time.

Late Game Items

Heart of Tarrasque + Heart of Tarrasque + Assault Cuirass

Typical Sand King team battle role is to jump into the enemy with the Epicenter and then tanks all the damage. That's why in the late game you will need mass HP and armor boost.

Blink Dagger vs Black King Bar

Blink Dagger is better than BKB because Blink Dagger helps you gank (which is what Sand King would do besides farming, tanking and initiating battle) and gives the value of surprise when you deliver your Epicenter. Usually the enemies would scatter around if you get a BKB, activate avatar and cast burrow+epi, but with Blink Dagger comes the value of surprise. Without them knowing, you could deliver your Epicenter more effectively, and will help you much more in initiating battles.

But it seems the spell immunity of BKB is attracting a lot of people to buy it. But you must note several things. There are a lot of spells which go through avatar and deals a 0.1 second ministun, which cancels your Epicenter casting. You can just activate Avatar every 100 seconds while Blink Dagger can be activated every 25 seconds. And the last, BKB doesn't offer you anything to help you relocate, which can be used in a lot of things. Even so, if you indeed have a big trouble with Epi+Blink, this item still help you.

Strategy


Start off by going to the lane of your choice. The good thing about Sand King is he is an excellent solo hero, yet an excellent dual-lane assistant as well. So, it doesn't matter if you solo or not. Start off in the lane being very, very passive. Once you get in a lane, before the first wave comes in, try to creep block. It's alternately pressing move and stop in front of the creep wave to delay them in their arrival. This pushes your enemy creeps nearer your base, and gives you a wider capacity to quickly level up.

Don’t burrowstrike yet in level 1 unless the enemy is escaping with an uber low life to make a first blood. Like everything that happens, kill and last hit creeps, and level. Don't do anything to kill the enemy yet. Just farm and get your level up. Once you get to level 6, you are a killer with Burrowstrike + Epicenter. This period of the game, this simple combo can take out many enemies with their predictably low life, also mentioning this combo is devastating anytime.

When you encounter a normal stunner (Vengeful, Skeleton King), let them hit you or your ally with their stuns and do your thing. It’s better if they are stunning you while beside your tower. After all stuns are drawn, you do the burrowstrike, and then the usual epicenter. It’s a very easy task, but not as easy when you encounter two stunners. You may want to call some reinforcements. When facing stompers, it becomes harder because when you burrowstrike them, you have to go a little bit farther to them where you land to prevent getting stomped on, especially when casting your ultimate. And aside from the usual stun skills, there are some skills which deal a 0.1 ministun like Lunar Beam, Void, etc. So don't be fooled by those skills which you think are purely nukes. They might have a twitty stun to destroy your Epicenter casting.

Everytime you almost die with a very low life and the enemies don’t have a stun anymore, burrowstrike to retreat. Not to stun them forward. I’ve seen that sometimes that their Sand King just uses the Sand Storm (If they do have one) after landing. That's a very bad move.

There isn't really an "art" of Burrowstrike + Epicenter, as it isn't rocket science. Yet, it is one of the most effective "moves" in DotA. It usually never fails. First, find a spot that is in the fog of war or out of sight of enemy heroes. Be at most 900 units away from the enemies. Begin channeling Epicenter, and after the green light goes away and you start pulsing (You may miss 1 or 2 pulses if you are a begginner, it's ok) immediately blink into the center of the enemy Heroes. After your pulses are up, Burrowstrike the remainders (if there are any) to sweep easy double kills.

A common misconception is when you Blink in with Epicenter "on" you should immediately Burrowstrike the enemies - This is false. If you do this, the time the enemy heroes spend in the air for Burrowstrike, they enemies are invulnerable, which means, no Epicenter damage. Wait untl all pulses are clear OR you can get a kill with a Burrowstrike.

Some people like to Channel Epicenter and then Shift-click Blink dagger so they wont miss a pulse - I do not like this as the target you want to blink to 2 seconds ago may change in the 2 seconds of channeling.

Now you're leveling and maxing Caustic Finale with you, you're purely a farming machine. With the technique I explained earlier, you'd gain a lot of money in no time and you'd farm for your BoT, and your luxury items if you really are left alone to farm for yourself. In every 3 waves killed, you may have pushed far into the enemies' territory, so go neutral creeping for a while, then when the enemies counterpush, prepare in a spot to release an Epicenter + Blink to the team, while possibly calling your allies for reinforcements. Whenever you really find the enemies missing, warn your allies. They'd probably gank your allies in the other lanes, but mind your own business. Once you get near them, they've succeeded in killing the hero, and aswell preventing you from leveling up. Never let them succeed, so never get fooled.

The time you are ready to do the Epic + Blink, try to let the opponents push (While doing so, hide in a perfect spot), let an ally draw stun, cast Epicenter, and blink in. Usually you become the target of enemies so when you think you can’t handle them after 4 seconds, call your allies (Not necessary if you can handle them). While the enemies are trying to escape, chase them and if possible, do a burrowstrike. Your enemy should possibly be dead by now. However, some enemies might do the opposite. If they don't die, you should decide whether to chase them or to get away since you can still be harmed even if the enemies have a very small amount of life. Never chase heroes when you know they have higher movespeed than you (Unless they are in your burrowstrike range).

Before the mid game ends, some enemies may be fed up with hp increasing items. You should gank less since a single Epicenter won't do the trick to some heroes, whereas you can still live up to your killing power if the enemies are fully incapable of surviving any immense damage.

You are currently excellent in defending. Mind you, even if the creeps are those 833 hp/ 603 hp creeps pass by you, you can tank their 50+ damage, plus you may have an Cuirass. Don’t worry if you loose around 100 – 200 hp each wave as you regenerate fast. Usually, 3-4 kills per large creep wave solves a problem even if they are numerous. Do not fret.

After level 16, your epicenter is deeply flawed, and you may have to do other roles than initiating and tanking. You may have been doing less ganks since you have to defend your lanes. If someone else will take over defending lanes, you can not just defend, but push. You have the power, Burrowstrike + Caustic is a great pushing skill. Watch minimap when pushing and quickly teleport if most of your enemies is missing. Buy some luxury with the gold from pushing.

In the late game, you're a Damage Dealer and also Tank. Now with the crazy farming you've done, you may have even reached the gold to get a HoT. You are now extremely fat and ready to tank damage. You have many escape mechanisms, burrowstrike, blink, sandstorm. In the three, only sandstorm is purely to help you. Blink and (possibly) Burrowstrike is for initiating your combo. This way, we can say that Sand King only has one skill that is solely used for escaping, and the other two is for engaging in battle. When come to the team battle, pick a hiding spot. When your team ready, cast Epicenter and surprise the enemy by blinking them. They should be focus their damage on you. Brace yourself and face them, even if you die, you already do your role. By the time you tank the damage, your ally should do pretty much damage to the enemies and even get some kills.

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

6.49c AIplus Dota-Allstars Map Free Download (Revision 7)

dota allstars 6.49c loading screen Images 6.49c AI+ Dota Allstars Map (free download) has been released several hours before i write this post. Looks like this map is importing Lazyfiend 6.48b AIplus 1.52 into 6.49c. Which means we can play Lazyfiend AI in the 6.49c version. The creator is BuffMePlz . Looks like he's trying his best to adopt the AI into the current version. I already try the map, it's great! The bots AI is just the same like the 6.48b AIplus. Plus, you can play Old Naix the Lifestealer, Old Nortrom and Kael the Invoker! Just type "-fun" before playing the games to unlock the Fun Tavern located in bottom right of the map.

Well, maybe you want to hear what he said about his AI:


Yeah, so I spent the long weekend porting lazyfiend's latest AI to the most recent version of DotA. Hopefully this will allow many of you who have been wanting to play the newest version of the map with some very well programmed bots.

I've imported all of the 6.49c content to the best of my ability, and have updated the AI bots so that they properly get Power Treads (the Agility version, it makes it easier), Vladmir's Offering, and Monkey King Bar, since the latest version changed the way these items were built. Aside from that, the AI has been unchanged, so it's still prone to any bugs that may have existed in the 6.48b version.

The AI probably has no means of determining how to play the new N'aix, and I didn't try to make it do something with it. Fortunately RGB did add a way to force the computer players to repick if necessary, so be sure to utilise it if they pick N'aix. Additionally, the AI will not try to get Orchid's Malevolence or Shiva's Guard, so if you're trying to figure out how to counter builds with these items, you're out of luck unless you play online.

Aside from that, I've added a little something special for everyone, but I'll let you see that for yourself. It's the product of a long project that got me into playing around with JASS and these maps in the first place. Just type in "-fun" to access the Fun Tavern and see for yourself.

Remember, that's

-fun

This is still AI+ version 1.52 because I'm not presumptuous enough to claim that I've actually updated anything. I just wanted to share this with the community because I feel like it's something that everybody can use/want, and maybe to stop all the messaging to lazyfiend for a 6.49c AI+ map.

So have fun and enjoy. If I do make any updates it will just be to the Fun Tavern, or to bugs specific to this version.

Thanks to lazyfiend for his hard work on this AI.

Cheers.


Here is the download link. You should note that this map has the same bug as 6.48b AIplus, read this post for further information. You can share your comment here after try it out :)

Update:
This map AI still have some bugs, but the creator is working hard to fix the every bug founds. If you find any bug, you can post it here or directly to the maker. It will help the development and the debugging process. Here is the newest version and the changelog:

Rev. 02: Fixed the texture on Templar Assassin's Psionic Traps, they should show up properly now.

Rev. 03: Fixed the infinite bottle bug.

Rev. 04: Fixed the dummy unit casting bug (hopefully), Siege Golems when using supercreeps, and picking from the Fun Tavern when -fun is not activated.

Rev. 05: Zeus's ult works, tree model restored, other tooltips corrected. AI Earthshaker now properly uses Fissure. Fixed bug with Bottled Runes. Added Old Silencer to Fun Tavern.

Rev. 06: Fixed Juxtapose and Doppelwalk.

Rev. 07:
-Power Treads now properly update on Meepo
-Fixed Dark Rift
-Changed the way AI dummy caster units work to prevent computer from controlling them and unnecessarily casting things they ought not to, which will hopefully fix the self-destructing AI problem.
-Added Gambler to the fun tavern.
-Reduced load and lag time on the map overall (I hope)

Download Dota-Allstars 6.49c AIplus 1.52 revision 7 via Mediafire

If you need Invoker skills guide, try this post.

Special Credit:
TempesT , thanks for your information update . I really appreciate it :)

Bugs on Dota-Allstars 6.48b AIplus 1.52 Map

dota allstars 6.48b AIplus Bug As in my previous post, Dota-Allstars 6.48b AIplus v1.52 by RGB a.k.a. Lazyfiend is already done. After trying the Map, only one things pop up in my minds, "Thank you Lazyfiend for creating such a great AI map!" That map is just perfect for training. In Insane mode, the bots is almost perfect in denying and last hitting. If you play carelessly and just do auto-hitting the creeps, prepare yourself to have zero creep kill :D

However, there's still some bugs in that map. Lazyfiend also already admited that the map is still contain several bugs. The worst bug is when the fatal error message appears on your screen. The other is just some minor bugs. Here is Lazyfiends statement regarding the bug.

Yeah, 1.52 is a beta. Not only are there bugs, but there are also a ton of untested things and things that i don't give importance.

I may be inactive for a long time, but i will try to collect as much info here if i have time.

1) FATAL ERRORS!!!

I am already aware of Lanaya causing an error (i thought i fixed it, see my post on 6.43b AI+). I believe it's from Meld. As i have played 3 5v5 sh Lanaya game w/o fatal error when Meld is not used (AI and humans). I have a fatal error when Psi Trap is not used (but Meld is). The same for Refraction. The Error is from the hero, not from AI (so human or ai gets the error). Icefrog's code w/ Meld is clean enough, save for destroying an already destroyed trigger, which when i removed have played a 5v5 sh Lanaya game w/o errors. Well due to time constraints, i concluded that it is fixed (well now we know its NOT).

So does all fatal errors come from Lanaya? Axe, Ursa fixed??

If you ever experience an error, please do tell all heroes present. Not things like "after 30 minutes and w/ a record of [very high]-[very low] it crashed!! (its extremely common to own AI...)". I have recently discovered that a fatal error does not happen due to some action, but due to some leak created in an earlier action that sort of destroyed something that is accessed to the moment of the error, otherwise it is VERY EASY to detect.

For the map experts (i need help i still consider myself a novice w/ jass), anything that can cause errors?:
-I do not use vJass (i never am interested w/ map making)
-I never destroy any location or group (except w/ the ai commands), nor do I create them when i need them, i have pre-allocated locations/groups that i use.
-I use a 2 second and 1 second continous trigger that uses ExecuteFunc to give commands for the ai
-I never use TriggerSleepAction when setting an ability to become available and using them
-I use an array to hold many things, like 15+ different variables each for the ai hero - indexed by multiples of 16. (ex. somearray[160+GetPlayerId(someaiplayer)] to access something)
-let us say that an ai is trying to use a skill (order is done), then i set it to unavailable, will that be an error?

If you want to help, try to play 5v5 sh games w /some heroes you think that will crash the game.

A possibility of a crash due to the ai core engine may be possible, but unlikely since i and the betatesters have been playing with it and only experienced errors w/ lanaya.


2) Techies lay mines in the fountain
I have Techie lay a mine in front of vulnerable ally towers. LOL

3) Charging w/ 5 heroes etc.
Are they attacking weak enemies? Are they trying to do something? Are they ganked or something? It's not clear if i do not know what are they trying to do. I am trying to stop this problem.

4) 1 minute RD(or is it another mode?) laning delay.
Whoops sorry, i never play it.

5) Problem with -nb, -nm, -nt
Yes i know this (i choose not to give time to this). Sorry for not telling people. This AI have no support for these modes. -om works fine.

6) AI does not help you.
Try -aid. This is wierd since i merged ai's teamwork script from the human. Okay, i checked the code and they would only respond if you let the spell finish - meaning finish the casting animation. (Some spells do not wait for it, those spells that the bots cancel the animation). But i am sure that AI's have better teamwork w/ you here than 6.43b AI+.

7) AI (rarely) uses flask incorrectly
I just copied 6.40 AI+ codes from using flasks. I'll check it.

8) The crash w/o the crash screen error
I have to say it's in the coding, and unlike fatal errors, it happens on the spot the problem occurs (mostly an infinite w/ the triggers - and for me it only happens to "order" triggers). I'll check it if i have the time, but it's better if i have an idea to what every hero is doing before the crash.

Thank you to all who reported errors

The summary, this AI still contain several bugs. Especially if Lanaya is played, it will mostly produce fatal error. Nevertheless, this map is GREAT! Thanks again Lazyfiend!

Saturday, January 19, 2008

Official 6.48b AIplus Dota-Allstars Map Free Download

dota allstars 6.48b loading screen ImagesOfficial 6.48b AI+ Dota Allstars Map -very tough AI- has been released and you can free download it in this post. The creator of this AI map is the same person who born 6.43b AIplus v1.4, RGB a.k.a Lazyfiend. At last, after months we can play a decent AI map. Some people even says that his worst AI is better than the best AI exist now. Say goodbye to DAA AI injector! (at least for now)

Enjoy yourself and hope that Lazyfiend will still creating another Dota-Allstars AI maps in the future. Who knows that he might someday become 'lazy' enough and decided to retiring from create another masterpiece. Yay!

Here is some note from Lazyfiend:

*Handicap reduced from 120/150/200 to 115/140/180
*combined -tm with -test
*fixed problem with "-c"," c" not working w/ Scourge
*fixed ai heroes in -rv choosing two heroes
*fixed randoming problem with -dm
*fixed -pe and -pa with -random, removed -par and -per
*fixed denying towers that cannot be denied
*added notification and more effects when using -aid
*added swaphero capability with the bots
*added new mode "-dynaexp" or "-de", bots gain bonus exp rates when killed,
and loses bonus exp when the bots killed a hero

*fixed some problems with the defend routine
*human teamwork script is merged with ai teamwork script
*fixed bug about checking blink location targets
*bots uses shortcuts when retreating
*after using attack commands to bots, they will not automatically try to
defend or do neutral creeping for a while
*bots normally use flasks, but you can change it by inputting "-ctango" within
the first minute
*ai will prioritize defending over healing in the fountain
*bots cancels some casting animations

*fixed halting with Doppleganger
*fixed bugs concerning windwalk like abilities
*fixed Epicenter usage bug
*fixed Fiend's Grip and Dismember misusage
*balanced Thundergod's Wrath usage
*fixed aggressiveness with Primal Split, Storm panda uses windwalk when weak
*fixed Rain of Chaos usage, Shadow Word is used for healing more frequenly
*fixed some problems with mana shield
*fixed some problems with sprout
*uses Song of the Siren to save allies
*New Ignus Fatuus AI
*fixed blade fury usage when omnislashing
*more correct use of Echo Slam
*fixed wierd bot Assassinate cancels
*fixed multiple use of Earthbind
*Spectre can use Reality
*Alchemist can use Concoction
*revamped Techies behavior
*numerous item build and skill build changes

Known Issues:
*gank command (-ct) may not work 100% correct and it's not included inthe dialogue
*AI heroes are still not balanced (Pudge,Naix suck; Viper and friends still strong)
*fatal errors may still be present

You can download from these links:

Download Dota-Allstars 6.48b AIplus 1.52 via Mediafire
Download Dota-Allstars 6.48b AIplus 1.52 (zip) via Mediafire
Download Dota-Allstars 6.48b AIplus 1.52 (zip) via myfreefilehosting

Update:
This map still has a little bug on Lanaya, read this post for further information. There's also a 6.49c AIplus map, the creator is imports this 6.48b AIplus map into 6.49c. You can download it in here.

Thursday, January 17, 2008

Download Dota 6.50 Map Beta 11 Version, Leaked!

Dota-Allstars 6.50 Beta 11 map is leaked, free download in this blog. Actually this is the first time i posted Dota-Allstars beta version in this blog. I just got it by accident. Please give me feedbacks/comments after you try it :) Oh yeah, you must use nick "IceFrog" to play, because it is beta protected. The download link is at the end of the post.

Beta 11:
=======
Due to the random trees i forgot, here is a rushed beta 11. i added the immolation effect for orchid till we have something better. fixed ghost frost arrow range, fixed swapping/repicking/duplicates in -sd.

Beta 10:
=======

Notes:
-Do not use techies in games, he is still broken (unfinished recoding of land mines)
-fixed some issues with some neutral spots
-lowered range on NA and lion impales
-tweaked guinsoo again
-changed the ghost ability


Focus:
-test the new game mode -sd
-play around with the changed items
-keep playtesting and finding bugs
-give feedback on state of neutrals in beta 10 after you try them a bit

Unaddressed Issues:
-Bottle w/rune expiring when hexed (this isn't a new bug, its old. working on it)
-Euls movement bonus on morphing heroes (this is a new bug, i will get to it eventually, not a very high priority given since the heroes that would get it don't usually having morphing abilities)
-for some reason, -apm triggers -mute.. investingating this still, i'll figure it out before the end of the beta cycle, but not top priority

Beta 9:
=======

--Play around with guinsoo/euls/orchid
--Fixed various issues with impale (airtime and hitting magic immune like jugg in blade fury). Try to find other units that have magic immunity that it tosses up in the air.
--Do not use techies, his land mines are in the middle of a rewrite


Download Dota 6.50 Beta 11 via MediaFire
Download Dota 6.50 Beta 11 via RapidShare

Enjoy!

Update: The Beta 19 is available.

Update: The official 6.50 map has released!

Monday, January 14, 2008

Official Dota-Allstars AI Map, Looking For This?

Already tired with poor-average Dota-Allstars AI maps released nowadays? I guess this statement below will make you happy :)

It's done (well not really "done" but you get what i mean).

For safety measures i just have my friends test it. If there are no lame bugs then that's it. Might be released by the end of the week if map is just fine.

It's just like an updated 6.43b. Many things like "communicating" AI, being aware of getting ganked, and knowing when to retreat correctly are left behind. Some things like the gank command is not 100% working.

It is Lazyfiend, the creator of 6.43b AIplus v1.4, who bring that statement on Dota-Allstars forums yesterday. That means (hopefully) in the end of this week, we can get a great Dota-Allstars AI map from him. He said the version will be 6.48b AI. It's ok Lazyfiend! Even tough the current map is already 6.49c, i'm still prefer playing your 6.43b AIplus than poor 6.49b AI/6.49c AI for my skill training. 6.49b AI is still usefull for trying new items. But for tough enemies, your map is currently the best!

Don't want to miss his release? You can subscribe and this blog will inform you by email when he release it. I will also post the download link in this blog when it is released. Can't wait until this weekend :)

Update: It's already released! See this post.

Saturday, January 12, 2008

Luna Moonfang The Moon Rider Guide & Walkthrough

Luna Moonfang The Moon Rider Guide, Walkthrough, Item Build and Skill Build.

Luna Moonfang

Luna Moonfang is a stalwart and devout follower of the Moon Goddess, Elune. She fights alongside the Sentinel in the neverending battle to cleanse the land of the unholy Scourge. Through her valiant efforts, she has been granted small portions of Elune's mystical power. Luna uses this gift to cut a swath through her enemies. It has been said that Luna is able to call down the very light of the moon, and is always surrounded by a glowing aura, as though in moonlight herself. Luna is a shining beacon for the Sentinel, an ever vigilant protector.

Luna Moonfang

Base HP: 435
Base Mana: 208
Strength - 15 + 1.75
Agility - 22 + 2.8 (Primary)
Intelligence - 16 + 1.85

Base damage 43 - 49
Attack range of 330
Base Armor 4.1
Movement speed of 320

Skills

Lucent Beam



Luna concentrates on the moon's energy and channels it forcefully to the surface, damaging an enemy unit.

Level 1 - 75 damage.
Level 2 - 150 damage.
Level 3 - 225 damage.
Level 4 - 300 damage.

Mana Cost: 95/ 110/ 125/ 140
Cooldown: 7

After Lucent Beam did not effect Eclipse damage, looks like everybody leave this skill when build battle Luna.

Moon Glaives




Allows Luna to attack extra enemies with each Glaive attack. Each enemy struck beyond the first incurs a 35% damage loss, per unit.

Level 1 - Luna hits 2 enemies with every attack.
Level 2 - Luna hits 3 enemies with every attack.
Level 3 - Luna hits 4 enemies with every attack.
Level 4 - Luna hits 5 enemies with every attack.

Mana Cost: N/A
Cooldown: N/A

A great skill, but for harassing melee hero while last hitting. Great skill for farming as Luna launches painful bouncing glaives, also work well for team battle.

Lunar Blessing



Nearby ranged units gain the power of the moon.

Level 1 - Increases base ranged damage by 6%.
Level 2 - Increases base ranged damage by 13%.
Level 3 - Increases base ranged damage by 20%.
Level 4 - Increases base ranged damage by 27%.

Mana Cost: N/A
Cooldown: N/A

Great skill and synergize with glaives. Also helping your team, especially when you got teammates like Viper or Traxec.

Eclipse




Calls to the moon's magic, summoning a concentrated burst of level 4 Lucent Beams(no matter whether what your lucent beam level is) to damage targets within 450 AoE around Luna.
If Luna dies while casting Eclipse, Lucent Beams will still be produced at the area where she dies.

Level 1 - Summons 4 Lucent Beams.
Level 2 - Summons 7 Lucent Beams.
Level 3 - Summons 10 Lucent Beams.

Mana Cost: 250/ 350/ 450
Cooldown: 140/ 120/ 100

This skill makes people fear to meet you one-by-one. Almost result in a sure kill when it used to fight one hero alone. Watch for the creeps when use this skill because the damage will be shared.

Skill Build

1. Stats/ Lucent Beam
2. Lunar Blessing/Moon Glaives
3. Stats
4. Lunar Blessing
5. Lunar Blessing
6. Eclipse
7. Lunar Blessing
8. Moon Glaives
9. Moon Glaives
10. Moon Glaives/Lunar Blessing
11. Eclipse
12. Moon Glaives
13-15. Stats
16. Eclipse
17-21. Stats
22. Lucent Beam/Stats
23-25. Lucent Beam

This build is designed to build battle Luna. Go for Stats and Lunar Blessing in early games. Those will makes you easily to get last hit while stats help your survivability. Take 1 level of Lucent Beam for the mini-stun if you're facing channeling heroes on your lane. Lucent Beam is maxed at your last levels because it doesn't give you lane control. If you max it first, Luna will lose it's effectiveness during mid and late game.

Moon Glaives is taken after Lunar Blessing, because Lunar Blessing gives you more damage for last hitting. Take
Moon Glaives early when you are facing melee hero for harassing while killing creeps or denying. Moon Glaives don’t give you lane controlling abilities, it just help you pushing and farming. A bit of Stats are gotten early as they’re still much better than Moon Glaives, and they give you a bit of everything you need.

Moon Glaives are gotten as soon as you maxed out Lunar Blessing, as you probably have enough overall damage to deal significant damage with your Bouncing Glaives. But if you're gonna for neutral creeps, take
Moon Glaives immediately as it will really help you kill neutrals faster. Eclipse is maxed out whenever you can, as it deals superb damage and you can kill any lone enemy you pass by, and it deals great damage in a teamfight.

Item Build

1. 2 Set of Tangos + Circlet of Nobility
2. Finish 1-2 Wraithbands
3.
Boots of Speed
4. Helm of Ironwill
5. Mask of Death (Helm of Dominator)
6. Finish Power Treads
7. Black King Bar (optional)
8.
Butterfly
9. Finish Satanic

Your items should be like this:



Optional



Get tangoes and some stats from circlets, tangoes is better than Ring of Regeneration since you will get Dominator. Wraithbands is better than bracers because you need fast damage boost for farming. Helm of the Dominator is probably better than any other item for Luna, as it gives Luna more capability to survive while farming. The leech helps Luna on jungling and the dominate ability will get you a Centaur/Furbols. Use them to stomp then Eclipse to get kills.

Black King Bar is an optional items. When you are facing so much nuker, it's advisable you buy this thing before Butterfly. If you're going extraordinary farming or your enemies are all DPS hero, rushing Butterfly will gives you better result. It gives you everything, damage, attack speed and especially the evasion.

Upgrade your shoes into Power Treads to boost attack speed After get some damage items, finish the Satanic. With the additional hp given and the additional lifesteal boost, you’re sure to survive much longer against enemy heroes, and Satanic’s active lifeleech gives you additional damage, plus the lifeleech, which gives you a lifesteal even on the bouncing glaives.

Strategy

Luna like the other agility heroes, is fragile early games. Your attack range is very short for a range hero. Try to get last hit and farming immediately. Don't bother for harassing, you will get a kill when you got your ulti's. When you get a Dominator, it's time for jungling since Luna skills makes jungling very easy.
You can go live in the forest and gain a lot of money in a short time. There’s no problem when you encounter any enemy hero, considering you can survive whatever they can take and that you can kill them with Eclipse and a few more hits.

Keep farming and farming. Luna is an exceptional farmer and you must maximize it's potential to rush your items. Only do ganking when they are close to your jungling position. If you are ganking too far, it means you’ll lose a lot of time farming and will delay your items. The most efficient way to kill heroes is to surprise eclipse them, offensively in a lane. When getting caught in a forest, you will turn out to be some sort of Anti-Gank, so it means you can kill them when you're getting harmed, just make sure they won't survive. If you're short of HP, don't bother and leech some creeps.

When it's times for team battles, the most important things is watch for enemies creeps. Don't waste your ulti's on creeps. Tell your teams to clear the creeps first. Raigor and QoP
ulti's are great way to clear the creeps. After the creeps clear, jump in and start Eclipse. They’ll receive a massive amount of damage, and all you have to do next is to attack them. Activate Unholy Rage if you have Satanic, start hitting the weakest hero and leech at the same time. Your Glaives will hurt a lots of hero and hopefully can bring you a 1-3 kill.

Friday, January 11, 2008

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